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Friday, December 26, 2008

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear...

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas, as Chris and I did. We headed to his hometown on Tuesday evening, to spend Christmas with his family. His family does a big dinner on Christmas Eve, so we had very yummy food and good company. Christmas morning, we exchanged presents with his family, ate lunch and headed back to Atlanta to celebrate Christmas with my family. A good time was had by all and we are so blessed to have such a loving and giving family. Below are a few pictures from our Christmas. As always, I took too many pictures but if you're interested you can click on the Hartley family pictures link.


Grandaddy Hartley's Christmas tree

Mom and Pop's House (Chris's parents) and their tree

Dad and Sue's tree

Here they are...

I made these for my evil step sister...




I made this for my soon to be sister in law.. (yes, Z finally proposed... picture of ring to follow)





I crocheted a scarf for my brother that is not yet finished... so a picture of it will come later. And, I made some cards for my grandmother.



Chris made a cornhole game for my brother in law (evil step sister's hubby) and I painted them.




Sunday, December 21, 2008

Craftily Creating...

And looking forward to sharing all that I have done this weekend. I have spent the past two days working on Christmas gifts for my family and friends. I have done ALL sorts of things and yes, I have taken photos of all of my projects... however... they ARE Christmas gifts and I wouldn't want to ruin any surprises. So, YOU too, will have to wait for Christmas.

So, my "illness" (which if you want more details on it, email me) over the Thanksgiving weekend really put me behind this year. I FINALLY finished my Christmas cards. Do you think the cards will arrive before Christmas? If not, I guess it's the thought that counts, right?

On an exciting note, I FINALLY got my rings soldered together. They were also cleaned and dipped (white gold needs it every now and again). They look soooo good! :)

Did I mention that I'm looking forward to sleeping in, in the morning?

Thursday, December 18, 2008

My first ever...

I think MOST of you know that I recently learned to crochet. Well, I finished my first ever scarf. I gave it to my friend, Molly, for Christmas. She loved it... Here's a picture.



Also, I HAD to take a picture of Bailey (our cat). She was so cute curled up in Santa's lap. :)



Saturday, December 13, 2008

Done!

I finally finished decorating. Here are a few pictures of our decorations. I didn't do as much as I normally do. Okay, not sure why they're so small... ???

From Christmas 2008


From Christmas 2008


From Christmas 2008


From Christmas 2008



Wednesday, December 10, 2008

In the Christmas spirit...

My brother sent me the link to the first video... I hope this will make you smile. The second video I found from the first one, and really like the song.





Okay, so I got a little carried away... Here's another awesome song... I just LOVE it! and want to share with my blogging friends... Isn't God good?



Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Stages

So, this year we're decorating the house in stages. This is what we have so far.


Didn't Chris do a great job on both? I'm hoping to finish the tree tomorrow after school (assuming that I'm feeling up to it). I do LOVE Christmas time! I love the music, the sights and smells. A few years ago we decided to buy an artificial tree. Which no, it isn't as fun as a real one, BUT I can put it up when I want and I don't have to worry about watering it. I do have a Yankee candle plug in thing that makes it smell like a real tree. I love it when I get a whiff... Isn't Christmas great?

Monday, December 1, 2008

Sick

I've been "sick" since Thursday evening. I haven't been able to decorate for Christmas like I normally do and that makes me sad. However, I have the best hubby in the whole world. On Saturday, during half time of THAT game (ugh), Chris went and pulled the tree out. He began putting it up and fluffing it during the second half of the game and by the end, had it lit and the star on top. Isn't he the best?

I'm still laid up on the couch and would appreciate your prayers. Nothing too serious, just prayers needed for me and Chris. Thanks friends! I love you guys and am so thankful for you!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thanksgiving 2008

Our Thanksgiving started at about 4:40 am when the cat knocked Chris's change box thing onto the floor and made a big crash. We dozed for about an hour more before the alarm went off. This is the reason why...



Yes, Chris ran the half marathon yesterday morning. (He's in the middle of the picture with his arm raised... blue top and black pants). Luckily, my dad, Sue (step mom), Jennifer (step sister) and Jared (Jennifer's hubby) joined me in cheering Chris on. This is Sue and Jennifer while we were waiting for Chris to come by.

We had an early start to our lovely day. We all met up again at dad and Sue's house for our Thanksgiving meal. We were joined by my brother and his girlfriend and Jared's parents. Chris fried his first turkey (how many people do you know that ran a half marathon AND fried a turkey?). We all had some of our favorites and enjoyed a very yummy dinner. We had some excitement after dinner when the power went out. We all sat in the dark and talked about about an hour. It was nice to be with family and friends yesterday! I hope everyone had a wonderful day!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish all my blogging friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! I'm very blessed to have all of you as friends! :)

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sunday

I love Sundays but I dread them at the same time. I love Sundays for a few reasons. I dread them for the main reason that the weekend is ending and another busy week begins.. The main reason I love Sundays is that it's the "official" day of worship. I'm really enjoying the church that we have been attending. I love the worship service, and the pastor. I feel like there's a sense of family there, even though we really don't know anyone yet. Today was communion Sunday. At this particular church, they do communion a little different. The pastor doesn't really preach, but he does... in a way... we worship through song and prayer and through communion.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people are thinking and talking about what they are thankful for... in fact, I posted last Thursday some of the things that I am thankful for. I was reading Lonebutterfly's blog today and she was telling about her Sunday with her caterpillars. This week, they are memorizing the following verse. I think it's a perfect verse, especially for this time of year and I am going to work on memorizing it, as well.

Thank the Lord because His mercy endures forever. ~2 Chronicles 20:21B


On my igoogle homepage, I have a daily Scripture. This is today's verse. It is also a wonderful verse for this week.

Every good perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ~ James 1:17

I pray that we all remember these truths from God this week. And that Sunday isn't our only day of worship.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Thankful Thursday



I am thankful for so many things. I am most thankful for my loving husband. He is the best and takes good care of me. I love his tenderheart and his desire to see me happy.

I am thankful for my family. I am so blessed to have a wonderful dad and a great step mom. I was blessed to be raised by a wonderful, loving mom. I love that my parents would do anything for me. I am thankful for my little brother. I am thankful for our friendship and that someone gets my weird sense of humor.

I am thankful for my friends. Over the years, I have met many people. I am most thankful for my friends that have been around through many of my life's trials. I am thankful that my friends pray for me and are willing to talk at any moment, even if they have little ones demanding attention too.

I am thankful
that we live in a country where we are free to worship the one true God. I am thankful that my God, sent His son, so that I might have a relationship with Him.

I am thankful for a warm house, with the best, warm bed and shower in it.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

no title

Trying out Carrie's lesson :)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Not Me Monday



So, I noticed my friend, Mommy of Boys, had this on her blog and I thought I would follow suit.

This morning, I did not arrive to school late. I did not leave the house a little too late, only to find the traffic backed up. AND, I did not turn right and go down to make a U-turn so that I could get on I-85 quicker.

Today, I definitely did not not pay attention during a Microsoft Word 2007 training. I did not sit there and check email, chat with hubby online or check blog postings while I was supposed to be learning about Word 2007. A program that I've had at home for a year and a half (or two?)....

I also did not get to school and realize that I left my check for Relay for Life Jeans Days at home. I did not call my husband to see if he could bring it and I did not ask if I could bring it tomorrow...

That's all I have right now...

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Okay, so...

I was fussed at today for not posting enough lately. I will try to do better, friends. I promise!

I spent the afternoon at a baby shower for my friend Drena. It was hosted by some of my old friends (from back in the DG days). It was so great to catch up with my friends. We were talking about how wonderful it is to have the blogs, so that we can keep up with each other. I love it and I do check daily for postings by my friends. By the way, girls... the shower was lovely and Melissa, I DO want the recipe for the veggie pizza!

Not much going on here with me. I'm just trying to make it through until Thanksgiving. Normally, we have a week of conferences (Conference week is always rough... long hours, stressful days = very tiring), then the next week is Thanksgiving. Not the case this year. We have a full week of school, THEN our normal 2 day week for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I don't care for turkey (I know, I know... I'm weird). BUT I do love it because it's the official start to the Christmas season. Now, I LOVE Christmas! On December 26, I start counting down until the next year's Christmas. I'm itching to decorate... and I'm really itching to start listening to Christmas music. I've been listening to the XM radio and they've been "advertising" for the Christmas station... I'm SOOOOOOO itching to listen... I've been good so far though!

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this year for a few reasons (more than the start of the Christmas season). Last year, we were on a cruise with Chris's family. I am looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with my family again this year.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Bored

I was bored with my background so I decided to find a new one and they have CHRISTMAS ones... I couldn't resist. I absolutely LOVE Christmas time! I know I should've waited until Thanksgiving, but I couldn't help myself. :)

So, may I be the first to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Just realized...

That I haven't posted about Chris's half iron man. I'm so incredibly proud of him. Weekend before last (the 24th), we drove down to Clermont, Florida (about 20 minutes from Disney World). We rented a house with a couple of other triathletes. Chris completed his first half Iron man. For those of you not familiar with the sport, this is about 1.2 mile swim, 56 (normally... he did 58 in this particular race) mile bike and 13.1 (half-marathon) mile run. He completed the race in 6 hours and 18 minutes. I was super proud! He finished 9th in his age group and 119 out of EVERYONE! Enjoy the pictures below...

The INTIMIDATOR October 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

Tagged... again



So, I've been tagged... Here it goes...

1. I went to the dentist today. I'm probably one of the few people that enjoys going to the dentist. I love the clean feeling on your teeth... LOVE IT!

2. I HATE cold weather. So, I'm not happy these days when it's super cold.. and now I have car rider duty every morning from 8:20-8:45. I DO NOT LIKE IT!

3. I am a TV junkie. I watch WAY too much tv. BUT I love it. I love Grey's, Private Practice, Fringe, 90210, Samantha Who?, Jon and Kate, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, House and most importantly BONES!

4. I also love to read and I LOVE when you find a good series of books that you completely become addicted to... like Twilight and Stephanie Plum books. Speaking of Twilight, anxiously awaiting the new flick!

5. I love to sing. I don't sing well, but I do love to sing.

6. I am currently in my "dream" job. I love teaching the gifted kids. They amaze me everyday with the things they know and creatively can do!

7. I wish I could eat whatever I wanted without worrying about weight gain. Wouldn't that be nice?

Now... You're it...
1. Rachel
2. Amy S.
3. BooSheep (Shelley)
4. Lone Butterfly (Chris)
5. MK
6. Cindy
7. Heather

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I'm Cristina???

What do you think? yes or no?

Saturday, October 11, 2008

These are a few...

of my favorite things...

Saturdays in the Fall... for many reasons. The weather is AWESOME. I especially love the days when the sky is that great blue color and the leaves are changing. It's crisp but not too cool. It's window weather. Our windows have been open for about a month now. LOVE IT!!! Not to mention UGA football!

Reading a book... I mean a really good book, the kind that you don't EVER want to put down, I mean ever! And you're completely sad when you finish it.

going to a good show at the FOX. Last night, my family went to see WICKED. It was incredible... funny, pretty good music (not the best, but enjoyable), great theatrics and effects! hmmmm... I wonder what it's like to be green?

Saturday, September 27, 2008

So Sad...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,429176,00.html

Enough said...

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Totally addicted...

Here's a few things that I've recently become addicted to over the past few weeks...

~TWILIGHT~ So, I recently began reading the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer and I'm totally addicted. I was staying up too late reading, which was making me super tired at school. If you like fantasy and don't mind vampires (no gore), I HIGHLY recommend reading of Bella and Edward's love affair...sigh

~BONES~ Totally addicted to the show and have recently begun reading the books by Kathy Reichs (the creator of Bones).

~Dave Ramsey~ I'm not quite as addicted to him as hubby... but am enjoying listening to him and even checked out his blog and website today (on my own with NO prodding from hubby).

~Swimming~ I'm not very good at breathing correctly swimming the freestyle stroke, BUT I am bound and determined to get it right. I'm enjoying the stroke clinic that LEW and I decided to take together. I am NOT enjoying the chlorine. Any advice out there?

Thursday, September 18, 2008

a plug

Chris and I are taking the Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. We are working on budgeting and what not. We found this cool website (through Dave Ramsey), that helps you plan meals for 5 nights and helps you with a grocery list. The idea is to make life easier and help you with your grocery shopping. I don't know about most of you, but we end up spending so much every week and it's just the two of us. I think it's going to be beneficial for us, especially once we have kids to feed. There's a link to the left for it and here's another one... Check it out!

E-MEALZ EASY AND DELICIOUS DINNER RECIPES

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

NASHVILLE


This past weekend, Chris and I traveled to Nashville for the Music City Tri. We drove up Friday night so that we could enjoy the city a little bit. Saturday, we had a few errands to run (so we did that first). Then, we went to eat lunch at the Opryland Hotel... Chris had never been there and I'm always just in awe of it (and completely bummed that I didn't have my camera!). It's very cool and you should check it out, if you're ever in Nashville. UGA had a 3:30 kickoff, so we decided to go watch the game at the UGA Alumni bar in Nashvillle. It was fun to watch it with a bunch of other Bulldog fans. After the game was dinner and then an early bedtime because we had to get up early for the triathlon on Sunday am. If you know anything about Nashville, it was held at Nashville Shores. Anyway on Sunday, Nashville started feeling some effects from IKE (mainly WIND and some rain around lunch). It was so windy that the water was too choppy for swimming. They did start people swimming (which you will see from the pictures), but quickly called it once they started to lose buoys, and the kayaks were having a hard time staying upright. (There are always kayaks, boats and sometimes jet skis out in the water in case someone needs help). I was very thankful they called the swimming, especially after watching the collegiates start swimming (and it looked like they weren't moving). Now, one thing I didn't mention was how miserable I was... something I ate didn't sit right in my stomach so I was up and down all night with a stomach ache. I was tired, had a stomach ache AND was actually kinda cold from the crazy wind. Needless to say, I didn't get as many pictures as I normally do.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

EEEEWWWW!!!!

There's a gigantic spider on our deck. I don't do spiders very well... but took pictures of it to show my friend Patty, at school. So, I thought I would share with you!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

GOOOOOOO DAWGS!

We headed to Athens yesterday for the football season opener. Chris graduated from Ga Southern, so it was the only game where he does not cheer for the Dawgs. He had to train in the morning, so we were late (later than normal). We ended up parking at the house and walking to the stadium (I forgot how steep Baxter is after a game). We had a great time, even though it was hot as hades out there!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Thoughts

So, do you ever relate certain songs to people or a time in your life? I hear songs on the radio and am taken back to a time in my life. Which makes me think of certain people and puts me in a bit of a reminiscent mood.

Recently I became friends with a bunch of old friends from high school. In checking out pictures, I was reminded of another old friend. I think someone (I can't remember if it was Drena or Melissa) that posted about old boyfriends and wondering where they are? Anyway, this old friend, I guess was a boyfriend at some point... I mean we dated... but we were pretty much always really close. In fact, I'd probably consider him one of my best friends. But I wonder why we aren't friends anymore... where he is and what is he doing? Does he have kids now?

It makes me sad to think of him now because I haven't heard from him in almost 5 years. The last time I heard from him was the day before my mom died. He had responded to an email that I had sent (with an update on my mom) and said that he was there for me and to let him know if I needed anything. Well, my mom died... and he wasn't there and he didn't send a card or anything. And, I don't know what happened to him. I mean, he's fine... I know he's around (I saw him in pictures on facebook... he's not on facebook, but mutual friends are). Anyway, it just makes me sad.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Georgia Vets Triathlon

So, Saturday Chris participated in the Georgia Vets Triathlon in Cordele. It's a sprint distance, meaning that it's only a 400 yd swim, a 13.6 mile bike, and a 5K run. This was his first sprint and his goal was to complete the race in an hour and 15 minutes. Well, he did really well... he finished in an hour and seven minutes!


After the race, a guy came up to me and asked if I had been there since the start of the race. Which of course, I had been. Turns out, he works for the Cordele Dispatch (the daily newspaper) and he was late. So.....